5.5.25
Good morning,
As a community, we are deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Chatham. Our thoughts are with everyone affected during this difficult time. UIS Counseling Services and the Human Development Counseling program are hosting a gathering for the campus community from 3:30 to 5 p.m. tomorrow, May 6, to share your experiences, express emotions and find comfort in support. Also, I want to remind you that the State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to most employees and, if on the state insurance plan, their eligible dependents for free, confidential counseling and referral services, and UIS Counseling Services is available to students. Let’s continue to hold the Chatham community in our hearts and support one another with kindness and compassion.
New Information
SEVIS Terminations Reversed
On April 24, the federal government restored students’ records in SEVIS (Student Exchange and Visitor Information System) nationwide, including all affected UIS students and recent graduates. Information and resources for our international immigrant communities at UIS is available online.
FY26 Benefit Choice Enrollment
The Benefit Choice enrollment period runs through June 2. If you do not wish to change health, dental, life or dependent coverage, your current elections will continue — with the exception of Health Alliance. Participants in the Health Alliance Plan must make a new election or their plan will default to the Quality Care Health Plan. Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts require enrollment or re-enrollment each year. Read about the Benefit Choice FY 2026 changes on Orbit.
Remaining Forums for OPEL Candidates
Online, Professional and Engaged Learning (OPEL) is hosting finalists for chief online learning officer and director of the Center for Online Learning, Research and Service. Everyone is invited to attend the remaining presentations, either in UHB 2021 or via Zoom, all from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: May 7, 14 and 19.
SHRS Updates
System Human Resource Services (SHRS) made key updates on its website pertaining to military leave, tuition waivers and personnel record review. Learn more on Orbit.
Website File Uploads
To meet accessibility compliance requirements from the Department of Justice, only PDFs will be permitted for upload to UIS websites moving forward. Please convert and remediate all non-PDF documents by Sept. 31 or they will be removed. Visit the Creating Accessible Documents resource for guidance or the Website File Upload Limitations article for more info.
Gift Days
The U of I System is granting three gift days again this year: Dec. 24, 30 and 31. These gift days are an expression of appreciation for the hard work and dedication you bring to your roles. Read more on Orbit.
Emiquon Artist in Residence
The Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon is launching a new Artist in Residence program this summer to connect the science of floodplain restoration with artistic expression. Applications must be submitted by May 16 for projects beginning on or after June 2. Read more on the UIS Newsroom.
Information that Bears Repeating
Commencement
A reminder that Commencement ceremonies will take place this Friday and Saturday. Our students’ hard work and dedication have brought them to this milestone—let’s send them off with pride and encouragement. For more information, visit the Commencement page.
Annual Evaluations
Human Resources updated the Annual Performance Evaluation's structure, rankings and functionality. Evaluations must be submitted by June 6. More information is on Orbit.
Instructional Technology Request Form
ITS and Classroom Scheduling Services are accepting requests for classrooms and instructional technology for summer and fall courses. Separate forms for each course should be submitted by faculty, but submission does not guarantee room assignments, equipment or services.
Homecoming 2025 Program Proposals
Have an idea for a UIS Homecoming event? Submit your thoughts by June 16. Homecoming will be Sept. 14-20, and this year’s theme is “Written in the Stars.”
End of Academic Year Party
The annual End of the Academic Year party, themed “Travel the World,” will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12 on the Student Union Patio, including music, food and fun for the UIS community.
NorthStar
Stay updated on our three NorthStar priorities by visiting our NorthStar Initiative page.
Celebrating Our Star Power
Ravneet Chhokar, director of environmental compliance and safety in Facilities & Services, is Employee of the Month for April. Her nominator wrote, “Ravneet’s cheerful and friendly attitude, along with her positive outlook, has been truly infectious throughout the unit. Her upbeat demeanor creates a welcoming environment, and her respect for others shines through in every interaction.”
The College of Business and Management’s 2025 High School Stock Trading Competition, led by assistant professors of finance Serkan Karadas and Tammy Schlosky, engaged more than 250 high school students and awarded nearly $4,000 in prizes.
UIS, the Junior League of Springfield and the United Way of Central Illinois honored more than 40 Sangamon County volunteers, businesses and organizations during the 17th annual Good as Gold Ceremony, including Claire Gordon, instructor for the School of Communication and Media, who received the Star Staff Award.
Cynthia Thompson, director of Student Life, received the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Emeritus Award during the recent ACUI national conference. The award honors professionals for their leadership and dedication to serving students and advancing campus community through careers in the college union and student activities field.
James Koeppe, director of Campus Recreation, received the NIRSA Regional Award of Merit for outstanding contributions to Region III (Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio) at the annual NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation Conference. The award recognizes one professional member from each region who demonstrates exceptional performance or dedication to NIRSA at the state, provincial or regional level.
Getting to Know You
Deshun Campbell is a program/student advisor for the College of Business and Management. He is passionate about helping students navigate challenges and thrive academically. Outside of work, he dreams of traveling to Kenya, St. Thomas and Burkina Faso to explore new cultures and enjoy fresh local fruit. Read more about Campbell on Orbit.
As we approach the final days of the semester, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to each of you. Your dedication, resilience, and support have made this academic year meaningful and successful. Whether you’ve been teaching, supporting behind the scenes, or learning with passion—your contributions have truly mattered. Thank you for being part of this incredible community.
Wishing you a strong and impactful finish.
Janet
Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield
P.S. If you have a topic you’d like me to consider for my newsletter, submit your idea here. I love to highlight your news, events and accolades.